Search Our Site

LA Doctors Share Their Best Tricks for Glowing Skin

Harvard alumni, renowned in their fields with a celebrity following, and, yes, good-looking to boot—Dr. Marc Mani and Dr. Karyn Grossman are proof that brains and beauty can coexist. In this friendly feud, we discuss different approaches to facial rejuvenation and compare Dr. Mani’s latest innovative procedure, MIST, to Dr. Grossman’s fêted dermal fillers. The winner? We leave to you to decide...

MARC MANI - Plastic Surgeon

What’s MIST?“Minimally Invasive Stromal Transfer—extracting stem cells from a patient’s fat and injecting them under the skin. A similar procedure’s been done overseas but I have a special instrument [and] a proprietary way of injecting [the fat]. I get it spread evenly throughout the face, and in the problem areas like large pores, dark pigments, and fine lines.”

What are MIST’s advantages over fillers?“I’ve seen many complications [with fillers], particularly under the eyes. It’s like having large breast implants—they put pressure on the breast tissue and thin it out. The same principle applies to delicate areas like the eyelid. MIST uses cells that generate new blood vessels, so it’s the opposite of what fillers do.”

What is your most popular procedure? “The TCF facelift. The people you see that look like they never age—that’s what they’ve had done.” What’s one other secret to great-looking skin? “DefenAge—it’s the skincare product I use. It really works!”9675 Brighton Way, Ste. 340, Beverly Hills, 310-203- 0511; marcmani.com

KARYN GROSSMAN - Dermatologist

What are dermal fillers?“A naturally-derived or synthetic material that’s injected under the skin to improve volume loss, wrinkles, and sagging.”

What are its advantages?“Fillers are easy—no surgery’s involved. They’re reversible, so if something goes wrong, it’s removable. And there’s minimal swelling and bruising, and not much down time. In some people, fillers can also stimulate collagen production.”

You’re known for providing a “natural look.” What’s your technique? “It’s really about analyzing the unique individual in front of you. I believe in having a plethora of options available—with the right combination, fillers can achieve a similar result to more aggressive procedures.”

What are some natural techniques to battle dry skin? “It’s been in vogue lately to scrub the hell out of your face. That’s actually really damaging. Use a gentle hydrating cleanser with a Clarisonic instead. Or use retinoids that can increase your skin’s natural exfoliation.”

Any other advice for great-looking skin?“Keep it out of the sun!”2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 1250W, Santa Monica, 310-272-5081; grossmandermatology.com